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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Sheriff Jayson Richardson on being recognized with the “Spirit of Louisiana” Award on May 28, 2026, during a ceremony held in Bossier City and presented by U.S. House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson. This recognition reflects Sheriff Richardson’s continued dedication, leadership, and service to the citizens of DeSoto Parish and the State of Louisiana. We are extremely proud to see his hard work and commitment recognized on such a meaningful level.

Retiring District Attorney Don Burkett, for his work as the longest- serving DA in state history. He was elected in 1984 and reelected six times without opposition.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson for his service in DeSoto Parish and as Speaker Johnson’s appointee on the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board.

Sheriff John S. “Sam” Craft for his 40 years of service in law enforcement.

The DeSoto Parish School Board has approved a comprehensive salary package that includes a 6.8% pay increase for all full-time employees, along with targeted incentives and salary schedule enhancements designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, and employee recognition across the district. The new salary schedule and incentive package will officially take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

The approved plan represents a significant investment in the district’s workforce and reflects the Board’s continued commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators and support staff while ensuring competitive compensation for all employees.

“Our people are the reason we continue to be one of the top-performing districts in the state. This compensation package is the Board’s way of saying what we’ve always believed, if you want great outcomes for kids, you invest in the adults who show up every day,” said Superintendent Clay Corley.

North DeSoto trailed Parkway by nearly 100 points after the winter sports, but used a dominant spring that included a state softball championship to clinch the inaugural 318preps Advocate Cup, “The Chip,” in the Non-Select Division.

North DeSoto players celebrate after winning the LHSAA Non-Select Division II State Softball Championship at Frasch Park in Sulphur, La., Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The contest, designed to identify the best overall athletic programs in the Shreveport- Bossier City area, is divided into two classifications according to the LHSAA’s Non-Select/ Select format.

North DeSoto scored 260 of its 430 points to capture the victory. The group from Stonewall finished 97 points ahead of runner-up Benton. Parkway scored just 30 points in the fall and finished third. Logansport was fourth and Bossier High was fifth.

The Lady Griffins’ state softball crown and top finishes in baseball and track helped the program pull away.

At 9:52 pm, The Desoto parish jail was reported on fire and the inmates were still in the facility with smoke and ants eating them up like crazy Next reported at 10:05 P.M.-The DeSoto Detention Center was briefly on fire, my girlfriend called me from there about an hour ago saying that they moved the women into the gym and evacuated the men from the building. She called me back 20 minutes ago to let me know that it was contained and they were back in their dorms but the building was still smoked out.

At 10:42 pm From Desoto Parish Sheriff Department Smoke Causes Brief Evacuation At Detention Center: This evening, a dryer inside the DeSoto Detention Center at 205 Franklin Street in Mansfield began producing heavy smoke, prompting staff to quickly evacuate inmates and personnel to the secure yard area as a precautionary measure.

DeSoto Parish Schools proudly announces that Mrs. Hillary Severin, a 5th grade math teacher at North DeSoto Upper Elementary, has been named a finalist for the 2027 Louisiana Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education.

“Hillary Severin is a perfect example of the DeSoto Difference in action,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “By pairing high expectations with a genuine care for her students, she exemplifies the very best of our district’s core values. We are thrilled to see her dedication to student success recognized at the state level.”

Mrs. Severin brings more than 12 years of experience as a math educator, while bringing a wealth of knowledge to her role as a 5th grade math teacher and mentor teacher at North DeSoto Upper Elementary. Known for her reflective practice and student-centered approach, she uses data-driven strategies and innovative instruction to ensure all students grow and succeed.

Each year, the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association (LSA) selects one graduating senior from each parish in Louisiana to receive a $1,000 scholarship. DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson, who proudly participates in the program, believes strongly in investing in the future of DeSoto Parish students and personally funds two additional $1,000 scholarships each year — bringing that total to three local recipients in DeSoto Parish! These scholarships may be used however the student sees fit during their educational journey, whether for books, meals, clothing, supplies, housing, or other expenses.

This year’s selected winners are:

• Luke Odom Delafield — North DeSoto High School

• Caroline Grace Magee — Logansport High School

• Trace Allen Ogle — North DeSoto High School Congratulations to all three on this wonderful achievement!!

The mayoral election in Stonewall ended in a tie on election day on May 16, and if there is no filing for a recount, there will be a reelection on June 27. Since both candidates decided against a recount of votes, which would have cost $1,100, only the tie-breaker election will take place.

The current Mayor of Stonewall, Ken Kaffka, and the former Mayor of Stonewall, Randy Rogers, tied with 374 votes each on May 16, meaning that they either have to file for a recount or have another election on June 27, according to Kaffka.

According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office, each candidate has until the end of the day on May 19 to file a request for a recount, which would then be completed on May 21, five days after election day.

Rogers said he was planning on filing for a recount. After the candidate meeting, both candidates decided against having the recount done.

Memorial Day is a time to remember the men and women who have died serving our country. This special day is not the only time we should remember them but the holiday underscores the importance of having a time to revere and respect people who are sacred to our country. They are our heroes who are buried across America and thousands on foreign soil that never made it back home. They left their families and friends to go to hostile places where they laid down their lives for us.

Take a moment and visit the grave of someone who died representing us. When you go take just a few moments and give thanks for that person who will be one of many, many thousands who have made what we have in America possible.

We take America for granted. We enjoy so much freedom, opportunity and protection. We are so far from perfect but nothing in the world is perfect.

On May 13, members of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office had the honor of speaking to the Mansfield Lions Club during their luncheon at the Clista Calhoun Center in Mansfield.

Representing DPSO were PIO Mark Pierce, Sgt. Kelby Pearah and Dy. Nolan Perot of the K9 Division, Sgt. Austin Whitten of the Drone Division, and Pilot Sam Wunder of the Air Support Division. K9 Karen and K9 Cujo were also in attendance and enjoyed meeting those present.

Throughout the presentation, deputies discussed how K9s, drones, aviation assets, and public information efforts often work together behind the scenes during dangerous or rapidly changing incidents. Topics ranged from public communication during emergencies, to how technology and specialized units assist deputies in the field, to the role K9s can play in school safety and law enforcement operations.